Summary
This is a developmental position.The RRT serves as a member of the Respiratory Care Section of Medical Service at MTVA Healthcare System. Montana VA Sleep Disorders Center is a comprehensive specialty service providing sleep medicine services to veterans throughout Montana. Services include consultations, patient education, sleep testing (in-lab and at home), Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) titrations for CPAP, Bi-Level, ASV, and AVAPS, Actigraphy, Nocturnal Oximetry and PAP Adherence Clinics.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This is an open continuous announcement until JANUARY 31, 2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
*** This position is ONLY open to current, permanent VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) Employees, permanent VHA Employees Nationwide, and other permanent current Federal employees. If you are NOT a current federal employee, please apply to the Public Announcement CBSU-12476320-24-ML***
Duties
Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to:
- The RT conducts self professionally and reliably. RT must be self-motivated and capable of working independently with direction. The RT is responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision, and values of VA Montana Healthcare System. The RT has an abiding interest in the knowledge and treatment of sleep disorders and actively pursues increased knowledge in the field of Sleep Medicine.
- The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment, management, evaluation and care of patient with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. The services include, but are not limited to, the following activities performed under a provider:
- Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures
- Establishment and maintenance of a PAP compliance program
- CPAP/BIPAP and other modes of ventilatory support for the treatment of disorders of sleep.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLS)
- Knowledge of troubleshooting interface and PAP tolerance issues
- Maintenance of airways knowledge
- Patient/family education
- Staff development and competency development, implementation, and evaluation
- Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk.
- Travel to CBOCs for remote PAP clinics
- Prepare reports as requested
- Perform home sleep testing face to face clinic as well as virtual home sleep testing
- Nocturnal oximetry procedure
- Under the supervision of the pulmonary and sleep providers, conducts initial screening of patients referred for evaluation.
- Receives, responds and results consults.
- Develops and implements an individualized plan of care for each patient and assures that the patient is involved in decisions affecting the care provided.
- Provides education to patients/families/care providers relating to the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Provides instruction to patients/families/caregivers on use and maintenance of home respiratory equipment.
- Responds to patient calls related to home respiratory care.
- Employs several techniques when assisting patients with compliance issues.
- Follows patients as determined by the pulmonary and sleep physicians, who may require further instruction/assistance.
- Assures that a thorough and accurate home respiratory prescription is entered in Computer systems in a timely manner.
- Assures appropriate and timely follow up when concerns or issues are raised.
- Sets-up diagnostic studies, downloads and evaluates data.
- Cleans and assembles equipment.
- Orders and maintains an adequate amount of supplies.
- Acquires new knowledge and skills as necessary relevant to sleep disorders and home respiratory care.
- Assures information exchange with colleagues is open and constructive.
- Consistently participates in information exchange via E-mail, informal discussions, and planned meetings.
- Shares information with the program team and provides information in writing to Sleep Services; Chief of Respiratory Care or to the Medical Director for Sleep Medicine, when indicated.
- Stays current with the hospital's mission in general and particularly where it touches Respiratory Care Services and the Sleep/PAP program.
- Provides additional services and performs other duties as needs are identified within the MVHCS, Sleep/PAP clinic and Respiratory Care Services.
- Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center
Work Schedule: Flexible Schedule
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS-53215-O, FS-53216-O, FS-53217-O,???????FS-53218-O
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
- Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
- Credential. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT
- Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below.
- VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. 4
- RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received.
- RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
- Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
- Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder
- Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
Respiratory Therapist, GS-05
- Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
- Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential.
- Assignment. This is the entry level developmental position. RTs at this grade level perform basic therapeutic modalities in all areas of respiratory care environment under close clinical supervision by an RRT at the full performance level or higher. RTs are responsible for such assignments as medication delivery related to respiratory care, initiating and monitoring oxygen therapy, assisting with cardiopulmonary resuscitation suctioning of artificial airway, evaluating and performing aerosol humidification therapy and participating in care team rounds.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07
- Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
- Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures.
- March 12, 2021 Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
- Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
- Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09
- Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
- One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR
- A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
- Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
- Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
- Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11
- Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
- i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
- ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
- Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
- Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
Preferred Experience: RRT, Ventilators, PFTS, EEGs, EKGS, BIPAP, All aspects of Respiratory therapy
References: VA Handbook Part II, Appendix G11
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members and visitors involved. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting to 40 pounds, bending, and stooping.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- License
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- License
- VA Form 10 - 2850 C
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/31/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12493469.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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